Los Angeles Sparks rookie sensation Rickea Jackson is the newest addition to Unequalled Basketball League, the brand new 3×3 basketball league that may happen in Miami through the WNBA offseason.
The league — launched by WNBA stars Napheesa Collier and Breanna Stewart — will start in January, run for 8 weeks, and be made up of six groups with 5 gamers every. Thirty of the highest ladies’s basketball gamers on the earth will take part — 18 of whom have now been introduced.
Unequalled offers another for gamers who need to make supplementary earnings to their WNBA wage, however don’t need to go abroad. The league boasts a minimal wage of $150,000 per participant, and all gamers within the inaugural class may have fairness.
Rickea Jackson turns into second WNBA rookie to affix Unequalled
With Tuesday’s announcement, Rickea Jackson turns into the second rookie to publicly decide to enjoying in Unequalled — Angel Reese was the primary announcement.
“Having the ability to be in Miami from January to March, not having to go abroad,” Reese advised reporters final month. “No one needs to go abroad. A variety of us by no means wanna need to go abroad, however some folks do need to go abroad sadly, so with the ability to make six figures inside three months, with the ability to be housed in Miami, simply with the ability to get higher.
Final month, Sparks head coach Curt Miller identified Jackson’s rising recognition in Los Angeles.
“She brings us numerous buzz as a part of this new technology of gamers,” Miller stated. “And so she will get the loudest applause once we do the beginning lineups out in LA. She’s actually, actually well-liked.”
In her rookie marketing campaign, the fourth total choose is averaging 12.6 factors on 46.6% taking pictures. Of the three rookies averaging double-figure factors — Caitlin Clark, Angel Reese, and Jackson — Jackson has been probably the most environment friendly. She’s additionally shot 37.2% from three-point vary.
“She is admittedly, actually particular on the offensive finish, and is barely going to get higher,” Miller stated. “She now has the boldness, and he or she is aware of she has the inexperienced gentle to not hesitate. She’s in a groove proper now taking pictures the three, and it’s actually enjoyable to see that simply makes her much more dynamic. She simply she’s going to be a particular one, and we’re all seeing it, and we’re all seeing the expansion.”
There’s a protracted listing of rookies who might additionally assist drive curiosity in Unequalled, however Collier has confirmed that up to now, there are solely 4 rookies within the inaugural class. Caitlin Clark and Kate Martin — each of whom have had top-selling jerseys up to now this season — may very well be within the combine for these closing spots, however neither has publicly dedicated to collaborating.
Up to date listing of WNBA stars collaborating in Unequalled
With Jackson’s addition, 18 WNBA gamers have now dedicated to enjoying in Unequalled this winter:
- Allisha Grey (Dream)
- Angel Reese (Sky)
- Arike Ogunbowale (Wings)
- Breanna Stewart (Liberty)
- Chelsea Grey (Aces)
- Dearica Hamby (Sparks)
- Jackie Younger (Aces)
- Jewell Loyd (Storm)
- Kahleah Copper (Mercury)
- Kayla McBride (Lynx)
- Kelsey Plum (Aces)
- Marina Mabrey (Solar)
- Napheesa Collier (Lynx)
- Natasha Cloud (Mercury)
- Rhyne Howard (Dream)
- Rickea Jackson (Sparks)
- Satou Sabally (Wings)
- Skylar Diggins-Smith (Storm)
12 extra gamers might be introduced within the coming weeks.
